Guided Hike, Volunteer Day Planned for Alabama Hills

A guided hike to view arches and a volunteer day to restore native plants are among the activities planned for the Alabama Hills area in December.

On Saturday, Dec. 11, Dave Kirk, Alabama Hills steward for the Bureau of Land Management’s Bishop Field Office, will lead a guided hike.

“There are hundreds of arches throughout the Alabama Hills. Find out what geologic processes lead to their formation. This is a relatively moderate hike that enables you to view several arches in a seldom visited corner of the hills including the elegant ‘Hitching Post’ Arch. There will also be an option to make the hike into a loop, passing some historical movie locations and even more arches,” Kirk said.

Participants should meet at 10 a.m. at the corner of Whitney Portal and Movie roads. The hike will take 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours and includes one moderately strenuous portion along a dirt road that descends and climbs out of a wash. Each hiker should carry at least one liter of water and dress in layered clothing for a range of temperatures and windy conditions. For more information, call Kirk at (760) 920-1412.

The Alabama Hills Stewardship Group and BLM Bishop Field Office will sponsor a volunteer day on Saturday, Dec. 18. Volunteers will restore a formerly disturbed area by broadcasting native plant seed and mulching. Participants should meet at the corner of Whitney Portal and Movie roads at 10 a.m. to carpool to restoration site. Gloves and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own personal items such as sunscreen, hat, closed-toed shoes, lunch, etc. Light snacks and drinks will be provided